Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Pune
Kaizen Gastro Care is a leading Gastroenterology Clinic in Pune, Maharashtra, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders, including pancreatic cancer. Our dedicated team of medical professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedication to patient-centric care have earned us a reputation as a trusted center for pancreatic cancer treatment in Pune, Maharashtra. We are committed to your well-being and are here to stand by your side on your journey to recovery.
If you or a loved one are facing pancreatic cancer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Kaizen Gastro Care. We are here to provide you with hope, advanced treatment options, and compassionate care. Your fight against pancreatic cancer is our fight, and together, we can make a difference.
Take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact Kaizen Gastro Care today, and let us guide you on your journey to overcoming pancreatic cancer.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach that produces enzymes to help digest food and hormones that assist in regulating blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, but it is one of the most deadly. This is because pancreatic cancer is usually difficult to diagnose early when it is most treatable. By the time pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, it has often spread to different parts of the body.
There are two major types of pancreatic cancer:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC): This is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for about 90% of all cases. PDAC forms in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas.
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs): These are rare tumors that develop from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. PNETs can be either mild (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant PNETs are sometimes referred to as pancreatic endocrine cancer or islet cell carcinoma.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer:
Pancreatic cancer often stays asymptomatic in its earlier stages, making it challenging to detect. However, as the condition progresses, pancreatic cancer can cause the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- unintentional weight loss
- abdominal pain, which might radiate to your back
- lower back pain
- blood clots (often in the leg, which can cause redness, pain, and swelling)
- jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes)
- depression
- light-colored or greasy stools
- dark or brown urine
- itchy skin
- nausea
- vomiting
- Clay-colored stools
- Pancreatic cancer can affect insulin production, leading to diabetes.
If you are undergoing any of these signs, it is important to see a doctor right away. Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose, but early detection is important for the best chance of survival.
Causes & Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer:
The cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow within the pancreas and form tumors, but it’s unclear why this happens.
Typically, healthy cells grow and die in moderate numbers. In the case of cancer, there’s an increase in the production of abnormal cells. These cells eventually take over healthy cells. While the underlying cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, certain factors may increase your risk of developing it. These include:
- Tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes may account for 20 to 35 percent of trusted sources of pancreatic cancer cases.
- Heavy alcohol consumption. Having three or more alcoholic drinks a day may increase your risk. Drinking alcohol can also contribute to pancreatitis, another risk factor.
- Chronic and hereditary pancreatitis. This refers to inflammation of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis often results from heavy drinking over a long period. Pancreatitis can also be hereditary.
- Being overweight or obese, particularly trusted sources in early adulthood may increase your risk.
- Eating a diet high in red and processed meats, fried foods, sugar, or cholesterol may increase your risk, but experts are still figuring out the exact link between dietary factors and pancreatic cancer risk.
- Men are slightly more likely rested Source to develop pancreatic cancer than women.
- Workplace exposure. Working with certain chemicals, particularly those used in metalworking, and pesticides may be a factor in up to 12 percent of trusted Source of pancreatic cancer cases.
- People between the ages of 65 and 74Trusted Source are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
- You may have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- In the United States, rates of pancreatic cancer are the highest trusted Source among Black people. Research from 2018 Trusted Source suggests this is due to a mix of lifestyle, socioeconomic, and genetic factors, but experts Trusted Source note a need for more investigation into the underlying causes of racial disparities in rates of pancreatic cancer.
- Family history. Up to 10 percent of trusted Source of people with pancreatic cancer has a family history of the condition.
- Having a history of H. pylori infection in your digestive tract may increase your risk, though the exact link to pancreatic cancer isn’t clear. Having hepatitis B may also increase your risk by up to 24 percent.
What are the complications of pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer can cause a variety of complications, depending on the location and size of the tumor, as well as how far it has spread. Some of the common complications include:
- Jaundice: Pancreatic cancer often obstructs the bile duct, leading to jaundice. This impacts in yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and pale stools.
- Pain: Pancreatic cancer can cause intense pain in the upper abdomen, which may radiate to the back. The pain is often more harmful when lying down or eating.
- Weight loss: Pancreatic cancer can cause weight loss due to several factors, including poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, and difficulty digesting food.
- Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer can induce diabetes by damaging the beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin.
- Blood clots: Pancreatic cancer is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, particularly in the deep veins of the legs and abdomen.
- Spread of cancer (metastasis): Pancreatic cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the liver, lungs, and bones. This can cause a variety of signs, depending on the location of the metastases.
- Ascites: This is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. It can be caused by cancer cells that have spread to the lining of the abdomen or by portal vein thrombosis.
Diagnosis Of Pancreatic Cancer At Kaizen Gastro Care:
To make a diagnosis, your care team will review your symptoms and medical history. They may order one or more tests to check for pancreatic cancer, such as:
- CT or MRI scans to get a complete and detailed image of your pancreas
- an endoscopic ultrasound, in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted down into the stomach to obtain images of the pancreas
- biopsy, or tissue sample, of the pancreas
- blood tests to detect if tumor marker CA 19-9 is present, which can indicate pancreatic cancer
Staging: After diagnosis, staging specifies the extent of cancer spread. Staging allows doctors to plan proper treatment strategies:
- Stage 0: Cancer is confined to the top layers of cells in the pancreas.
- Stage I: Cancer is determined by the pancreas.
- Stage II: Cancer has extended beyond the pancreas but not to distant organs.
- Stage III: Cancer affects nearby blood vessels and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Cancer has extended to distant organs.
Pancreatic cancer treatment At Kaizen Gastro Care:
At Kaizen Gastro Care, we understand the physical and emotional toll that a pancreatic cancer diagnosis can bring. Our experienced gastroenterologists and pancreatic Cancer Specialists in Pune, Maharashtra, Dr. Samrat Jankar & Dr. Vikrant Kale work together to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Our Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Pune involves two main goals: to kill cancerous cells and prevent cancer from spreading. The most appropriate treatment option will depend on the stage of the cancer.
The main treatment options include:
- Surgery: Surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer involves removing portions of the pancreas (more on this below). While this can eliminate the original tumor, it won’t remove cancer that’s spread to other areas. As a result, surgery usually isn’t recommended for advanced-stage pancreatic cancer.
- Robotic Pancreatectomy: This minimally invasive procedure involves removing the cancerous portion of the pancreas. Using the state-of-the-art Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, Dr. Jankar performs minimally invasive procedures that result in less pain, quicker recovery times, and reduced hospital stays. Robotic surgery allows for greater precision and control, making it an excellent option for eligible patients.
- Radiation therapy. X-rays and other high-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs are used to kill cancer cells and help prevent their future growth.
- Targeted therapy. Medications and antibodies are used to individually target cancer cells without harming other cells, which can happen with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Immunotherapy: Various methods are used to trigger your immune system to target cancer.
- Palliative Care: To manage symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life, especially in advanced stages.
In some chances, a doctor might suggest combining multiple treatment options. For example, chemotherapy might be done before surgery.
Can I prevent pancreatic cancer?
Here are some additional tips for pancreatic cancer patients:
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help you stay healthy and maintain your weight during treatment. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise can aid in relieving fatigue and improve your mood. Strive for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity workout most days of the week.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is crucial for healing and recovery. Strive for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Manage stress. Stress can weaken your immune system and make it tougher to fight cancer. Find healthy ways to address stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
- Don’t smoke. If you smoke, stopping is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk.
- Limit alcohol intake. If you drink alcohol, do so in restraint.
- Manage Diabetes: If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to address it effectively. There is a relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
- Reduce Exposure to Chemicals: Limit exposure to industrial chemicals and pesticides that may be associated with an improved risk of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is a challenging condition, but there is hope. With the right treatment and support, many patients can live long and meaningful lives.
Why Choose Kaizen Gastro Care for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment:
- Expertise: Our team of experienced oncologists and medical professionals specializes in the diagnosis and pancreatic cancer treatment. We stay at the forefront of medical advances to provide you with the best care possible.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Pancreatic cancer treatment usually involves various medical specialties. At Kaizen Gastro Care, our multidisciplinary team collaborates to tailor a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
- Compassionate Care: Your well-being is our top priority. We understand the emotional and physical toll that pancreatic cancer can have on patients and their relatives. Our compassionate team is here to provide support throughout your journey.
- Support Services: We understand that dealing with pancreatic cancer involves more than just medical treatment. That’s why we offer a range of support services to help you and your family guide this challenging journey:
- Counseling and Emotional Support: Our team includes counselors and support groups to assist you in addressing the emotional aspects of your diagnosis.
- Nutritional Guidance: Proper nutrition is essential during cancer treatment. Our dietitian Bhushan Knedkar provides personalized dietary guidance.
- Holistic Care: We encourage holistic well-being and offer complementary therapies such as yoga and meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Kaizen Gastro Care is one of the best clinics for pancreatic cancer treatment in Pune due to its specialized care, experienced professionals, and advanced treatment options.
Request a Call Back:
If you or a loved one is facing pancreatic cancer, Kaizen Gastro Care is here to provide compassionate care and cutting-edge treatment options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter, cancer-free future. For more information about our comprehensive treatment options, or to request an appointment with the best pancreatic cancer specialists in Pune. Call us at 9763635252 or Book an online Appointment.